System for handling moving picture sets



July 8, 1952 F. E. PELTON SYSTEM FOR HANDLING MOVING PICTURE SETS 6Sheets-Sheet l Filed Aug. l, 1947 SHOP HND DOCK RLIIS TER SHOPCHRPA'NTER SHUI ha conrkfssn @As ENG/'NE ALIGNMENT MOTOR July 8, 1952 F.E. PELToN 2,602,196

SYSTEM FOR HANDLING MOVING `PICTURE xSETS Filed Aug. l, 1947 6Sheets-Sheet 2 llllllllllllllllh... ll/II,

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MMM v' N July 8, 1952 F. E. PELToN- l 2,602,196

SYSTEM FOR HANDLING Mov1NG P1cTuRE sms Filed Aug. l. 1947 6 Sheets-Sheet5 Eed E. Felton July 8, 1952 F. E. PELTON SYSTEM FOR HANDLING MOVINGPICTURE SETS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. l, 1947 Fig; 7/57 JUIYS, 1952F. E. PELToN 2,602,196

SYSTEM FOR HANDLING MOVING PICTURE SETS 6 Sheets-Shea?l 5 Filed Aug. l,1947 Fred E. lDelton July 8, 1952 F. E. PELToN SYSTEM FOR HANDLINGMOVING PICTURE SETS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Aug. l, 1947 1 l YUTNC.

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woe/wiet www Fred ERlton Patented July 8, 1952 UNITED' STATES PATENTvOFFICE SYSTEM ,FOR HANDLING vMOVING PICTURE SETS y Fred'. Pelton, LosAngeles, Calif.; Felice D. Pel- -ton,executrix of said Fred E. Pelton,deceased, assignor to Mobile Sets, Inc., a corporation of .CaliforniaApplication August 1, 1947, SerialNo. 765,611

'which has become abandoned.

' At the present time, the method of 4preparing sets for shootingpictures in 'a motion picture studio requires the vprovision of Ia`large number of sound proof stages `on which the sets, in Whole Vor inpart, are constructed. During the construction of the set, the set isscafolded for light platforms,ror such light platforms are suspendedfrom trusses and lamps are placed on the light platforms andelectrically connected. The set is then dressed with ythe necessaryrugs, draperies, furniture, electrical 'iixtures hand props, greens,backings, etc.

In present set installations, electrical lighting vand. dressingtakestplace directly on Vthe sound proof stageand mayinterfere with vanyshooting activities on the stage at that time. Likewise, the settingsare necessarily rearranged or repair-edi directly on the sound proofstage which Vlikewise interferes with shooting the picture; hence, itIhas been necessary tog-provide a rela- Vtively 'large number of` soundproof stages so as Ytopermt preparation activities to proceed on severalstages While shootingl takes/place on the other stages, and theshooting'units'are scheduled 'from' stage to stage during la work day ifthe sets required are on other stages. "installed or workrdone `onit,'on astage-Where a 1f a set must be unit is shooting, this work mustbe done at night or delayed until the stageiis not in use for activeshooting. This condtiongarises veryjfrequently rvin present day motionvpicture studios andas V'studio operation, rfrom the'timesetsiareAconstructed until.'tliey yare eventual-ly struckt and salvaged, theygo'throughma-ny or all"o'f'jthe /follovving activities: v

1. Fabrication and sub-'assemblyingshops. 2. Construction and'installation on stages.A 3. Dressing. Y, f 4. Scaffolding for overheadlamps 2 5. Electrical rigging. 6. Shooting. 7. Hold (a) intact forrushes (dailies) (b) and fold (c) for retakes (d) as a standing set.

8. Prop strike.

94. Electrical strike.

10. Set strike.

11. Salvage.

Under this present day method lof operation, only about one-third .ofther-stage space time is used -for shooting; the balance ofthe time andother Vactivities (excluding items 1 `and 11) are taking place on thestages.

Present day stages for motion picture `photography and sound record-ingare relativelyexpensive structures. They are sound proof, ventilated `orair conditioned, lined with acoustic materials and connected togenerator rooms with heavy copper cables, and yet-only in shooting arethese special requirements necessary. As a result, a studio, to operatewith any reasonable degreeoi eiliciency, vmust have from'21/2 to.3 timesas many stages as there are companies shooting.

Another object of the present invention is to provide motion picture andtelevision studios which are relatively inexpensive to build and which:produce substantial-savings when in operation.

Still another object of the Vpresent invention is to provide a systemand facilities permitting streamlined operations and the Ause ofassembly line principles in the constructionand operation yof sets usedin motion picture and' television studios.

Yet a further object ofthepresent invention is toY provide an improvedset handling system in which practically all of the sets for theproduction oia motion picture may be propelled in advance withoutinterfering with the sets currently shooti-ng. A

Yet a further object of vthe present invention is tofprovide an improvedset -handling system in which .the necessity for-constructing andinstalling sets immediately adjacent VVto the stages in which they aresubsequently shot is obviated, in which -case sound translation 'betweenthe VWork and shoparea .and the stage or shooting area 'is obviated andthe necessity for controlling noise and isolating the shop `floors ismade unnecessary. v.

Yet a 4further object of Athe present invention is to provide animproved motion picture and television studio incorporati-ngI Yrneans-`limiting costly delaying on stageconstruction -andset dressings,obviate the present time@consuming electrical light scaffold?fri/gg-i-r-lg` after the -set has been prepared, and the wasted days of1set,

prop, and electrical strikingk (decommissioning).

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an improvedset handling system in which a complete set after shooting may beremoved from the stage in a very short time without the necessity forstriking in the stage.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel systemfor `handling motionV picture and television sets which provides forbuilding work sets as well as changing, renewal or repair thereof, apartfrom the sound proof stages on which the photography is actuallyaccomplished.

A further object I" the present invention is to provide a system forhandling motion picture sets which will permit construction andpreparation of, and/or any change in the sets at central workshops andmovement thereof to and from the sound stages with a minimum ofinterference either with respect to the sets themselves or to thephotographing or recording of the picture.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a system forhandling motion picture sets which is simple and compact in arrangement,inexpensive to construct, and which lends itself to a maximum saving intime, effort and expense in the production of motion pictures.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an improvedset handling system in which sets are erected in position, are neverthereafter moved and travel along their rails to the stages underweather-proof ceilings.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide animproved method and apparatus inra motion picture or television studiowherein a movable ceiling arranged to support platforms with lightsthereon is mounted over the stage, which mayl be lowered to the stagefloor for convenient handling without the necessity of expensive andtimeconsuming rigging. inasmuch as each set, progressing through thesuccessive stages from carpenter shop to final dressing with furniture,comprises a predetermined position in the stage in accordance with thepresent invention, these lights may be accurately installed andpositioned well in advance.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an improvedmethod and apparatus for use in motion picture and television studioswherein the overhead lamps may be properly positioned in a predeterminedposition within the stage for shooting sets before their arrival. Stilla further object of the present invention is to provide an improved sethandling system in which sets are built on mobile platforms that laterbecome part of the floor of a sound stage.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a sethandling system in which stage and shop space is used eiciently and inparticu- `lar such that practically the entire stage area is availablefor mobile platforms.

' Yet a further object of the present invention is `to provide animproved set handling. system in which any particular platform uponwhich a set is built may be held indefinitely outside of the stage, andused in other productions, or later in the same production.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide animproved set handling system in which means are provided for reversingthe position of platforms upon which sides are built end for end wherebysuch platforms may be oriented 180 and may enter the stage with eitherend forward.

Yet` a furthery object of the present invention is to provide animprovedV set handling system in which shop space is used efficientlyand in particular to providea system wherein empty platforms always maybe placed opposite the work shops so that the sets can be built directlyon the platform without additional handling.

- Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide animproved system for handling motion picture sets in which a particularset may be built in advance and transported to any stage and placed inany order which may be required or dewherein their relative V`positionsmay be established in any desired order.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to lprovide an improvedset handling system in which stage space is `used eiiiciently and inpar- -ticular to provide a system wherein a stage may be used if anylplatform is ready with its set, regardless of where the platform may bestored awaiting its turn in the stage.

Still a further objectof the present invention is to provide an improvedset handling system in which more than one movable platform may be usedfor additional sets in a stage without the ,necessity of striking thesets originally in the stage whereby any reasonable number of sets maybe built and installed in advance of shooting time.

Yet a further object `of the present invention is to provide an improvedset handling system including mobile platforms upon which sets are builton which craftsmen of different trades such as carpenters, painters andthe like are not required to work near a fixed position of the platformbut in accordance with the present invention, work shops are segregatedby crafts and sized accordingly to the requirements of the craft so thatplatforms may be brought to any shop and transferred between shops.

Other objects and advantageous features of this invention may be hadfrom vthe following description and one embodiment thereof may be seenin the accompanying drawings wherein similar characters of referencedesignate corresponding parts, and wherein: l y

Figure 1 is a schematic layout of a motion picture or television studioincorporating the present invention wherein my novelmethod and systemmay be practiced.V Y

Figure 2 is a View in perspective of a portion of the studio arrangementshown schematically in Figure 1 and shows one of the mobile platformsthereof` in the process of being transferred from the mobile carrierinto a sound stage.

Figure 3 is a view in side yelevation and partly in section showing anempty mobile platform on its mobile carrier adjacent stages andcorresponds approximately to a view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1when the carrier is moved into corresponding position.

Figure 4 is a sectional View taken substantially on the line 4 4 ofFigure 3 and ralso line 4-4 of Figure 4A. y l

lIA-IA of Figure 4.

Figure 5 .is a longitudinal section through a portion ofacarrier andaportion of `a mobile platform in its normal stored position'in a shelterwhere' it projects a slight distance into'the `tracked carrier streetswith the clutch member thereon in clutch engaging position zand showsthe manner in which the platform may bemoyed `onto its carrier. y

Figure 6 is a sectional View taken substantially on the IlinevG--IS ofFigure 5.

Figure 7 isa sectional view taken substantially on the line 'I-l ofFigure 6.

Figure 8 is a sectional view similarto thesectionalview shown in Figure6 but withA the clutch yelement on the platform raised out of chainengaging position.

Figure 9 is a sectional View on the line 9-9 of Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a view similar to the view shown in Figure 6 and shows themanner in which the clutch engagingelement is automatically pivoted outof harms way under the following Yconditions: when the platform projectsa small distance out of a landing zone, Vand the clutch eletakensubstantially ment is inadvertently left in its lowermost position andthe movable carrier moves past such clutch element.

Figure 11 is a perspectiveview of a portion `of a motion picture ortelevision stage shown in Figures 1 and 2 and' shows the manner in whichthe grid-like false ceiling upon which light rplatforms may bereleasably secured, may be raised and lowered.

Figure v121 is a sectional viewshowing more specifically the manner inwhich the false ceiling shown in Figure 11 may be lowered and elevated.

Figure 13 is a schematic representation ofthe operating mechanismcarried on themobile carrier and driving locomotive.

Figureliis a schematic layout of a modied system of handling motionpicture sets also embodying features of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary sectional view, partly in section, showingparticularly the transfer and directing means Vfor the mobileunits andis 'taken substantially on the line I5---I5 of Figure 14.

While the system and apparatus disclosed herein are 'described inspecific relationship tov motion picture studios, the'description is'.exemplary of the manner in which the system and apparatus may findutility in television studios. It is therefore understoodtliat unless4specifically limited to a motion picture studio or to a televisionstudio theI claims appended vhereto vare applicable to both types ofstudio. f

It is understood that while the preferred'. syssound stages, three shopand/or dock areas, three tracked streets, two carriers and locomotives,a generator room*V and forty-nine shelters, the particular requirementsof a specic motion picture or television studio embodying the presentinvention may necessitatey more or Aless of "each of vthe above items. i

In accordance with the present invention many ofy the kdifliculties ofoperation are overcome and the cost of construction, lighting, dressingand operatingfthesets is. materially reduced. .Likewise, the work isgrea-tly expedited and improved efficiency' obtained. One or a numbervof sound proofstages [U1-maybe'positionednearforgrouped around acentral plant which includes such nectem and 'apparatus-disclosed hereinembody six f essary adjuncts to motion picture products! as airconditioning apparatus, light. and powerplants or control equipment andworkshops I I wherethe stage settings areproduced, changed or repaired.5 Mobile floor units or platforms I2 are provided to form-the set areaof the stage floor, themobile filoor units I-2 being such that one ormore may be'used to form a single stage for picture shooting purposes.Tracks and transfer means interconnecting the workshops and the soundproof stages are provided on which the mobile floor units may beselectively moved from Workshop to ractual receiving building in whichthe pictures lare producedyor vvice versa, as desired. By such anarrangement there is provided 'a system for handling motion picture setswherein the 'great majority of all of the Aactivities or work `on thesets other than the actual picture shooting and -recording can beaccomplished away from the lsound proof stage and interference withthe'c'ontinuity of picture shooting and recording is reduced to anabsolute minimum.

Studios built in accordance with the teachings and apparatus disclosedherein obviate the inherent disadvantages residing in present dayconventional studios. Following the teachings of the present invention,the great majority of the man hours of the non-shooting operations areperformed off the stage where subsequently the shooting takes place.This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention by building sections of the stage floors as movable platformsand transporting `these platforms from shop to stage and from stage tostage on what I term herein as carriers I'Il which run on railroad typeof tracks. These movable platforms roll into what I term herein asshelters I8 adjacent to all of the workshops lwhere they becomeextensions of shop floors. The sets are built directly on the platformsand need be handled but once in the assembly process.

Basically the preferred embodiment of the present system incorporatescompletely roofed-in craft shops II, property departments I3, stageshelters I6, work shop shelters I8, property deshelters I6, I8, I9 whentemporarily out of use.

In accordance with certain phases of the 'present invention, the setsI5. are built on .the stage floor constituting at least one mobileplatform which is movable to a position outside the stages.

Instead of hauling dozens of wall, oor and ceiling units to the stagesin small groups, or supplying the stages with building materials for setconstruction, sets are built, erected vand completed at the shops IIunder Vgood 'working'conditions with convenient 'power machinery andaccessible supplies. The sets I5 remain onthe platform I2, .which aremoved from place to place as they undergo the variousoperations of setactiv-ities.

The previously enumerated `activities comprisving. 11 in number may beperformed vin accordance kwith the system shown in Figures 1-'13embodying 'thefpreferred lform ofthe present intem herein described.

vention as outlined immediately below where the titles correspond tosuch previously enumerated activities. Y Y i 1.-Fa'b1z'catzon andvsab-assembly in. shops Fabrication of the setsvr I in thershops II is inaccordance with present day practice.' But, the full assembly -is madeon the mobile Vplatforms I2 while they are in shelters I8 adjacent tothe `various shops. A mobile `platform l2 `(empty or partially filled)is transferred via a carrier I'I to one of the shelters adjacent thecarpenter shop. The structure ofthe set is built in a predeterminedposition on the platform I2 and all of the carpentry is completed. Ifthere is a` small plaster job on the set, the plasterers may work on theset while it is adjacent to the carpenter shop, but if there is a largeamount of plastering, the platform may be moved to one of the sheltersat theplaster shop. This same principle will apply to painting. However,if the painting isla spray job, the platform I may be transferred to thepaint Shop where .one o r more of the shelters is equipped for spraying.Y

Since the platforms I2 lit accurately into all stages I0, sets thatrequire two or more platforms for their structure may be built insections which may meet in line when eventually placed in position onthe stage. y

The allocation of platforms I2 to shop shelters I8 may be made accordingto the volume of construction activity in any particular craft, butnormally the system operates on an assembly line principle starting withcarpentry and ending with painting.

With intelligent planning a reasonably constant labor force, in eachcraft can handle the work, since the pressure of stage space forshooting activities versus stage space for construction activities ispractically eliminated.

2,-Constractton and installation on stages Except when it isimpracticable to build certain kinds of sets on the platforms attheshops, this operation is entirely eliminated in the sys- (Note: Theseinstances ,arerare; typical cases would be farm yards, ice rinks, etc.For this type of set, platforms would be moved to the stage for thefinal construction work.) Y

. 3.-Dressing After the construction work on the set I5 has beencompleted, the platform I2 upon which it is 4mounted is moved to one ofthe property department shelters IS for dressing. This assumes thatprops are stocked in the property department, or have beenassembledthere in advance.

After this operation the set is ready for inspection by the director,and the platform is held in one of the. shelters I6, I8, I9 awaitingdispatching to the stage. (Note: if rented props are used, they may notbe in the property department at the time the set is first available fordressing, but props may be placed on the set while it is in a storageshelter vor after the set is transferred to the stage.)

4 and 5. scayozatng for overhead lamps ana electrical rigging Theseoperations may be done on the stage at night between the time the oldoutgoing set is removed and beforethegshootingcall for the new incomingsetthe next morning. Normally, there are 14 or 15 hours available eachnight for these operations." Since thev "position of the incoming set I5von any platform'. I2 is .iiXed, and the position of that Vplatform inthe stage is specified, the scaffold and lamp arrangement can bepredetermined and the crewsmay proceed with their'work before theincoming yset is actually in position, using the false ceilingconstruction 20 .shown in Figures 11 and 12. Y

'Referring to Figure 11, suspended' from the roof trusses of the stageI0 are elevating scaffold grids or false ceiling 'construction 20, thereAbeing one grid for each platform position. The scaffold grids 20 vmayberaised and'lowered between the stage doorV and theV overhead rooftrusses.' f

Before the outgoing set isremovedfrom the stage, thefloor lamps and anyother-miscella neous equipment may be transferredto the stage shelves 29and the grid structure 20'is hoisted clear of the outgoingjset. y

To scaffold and rig'the incoming set, thegrid structure 20 is lowered toa convenient level above the stage floor, permitting the crew to work onthe stage floor, thus eliminating Vthe necessity of some ofthe crewgoing aloft.-

The beds and legs of scaffolds -22 are attached and braced to the gridstructure 20 in a semipermanent manner, as for example, by bolts andnuts, and the lamps 2I are placed in position on the scaifolds, allwhile the scaifoldrbeds rest on the-stage floor. Generally, the lamps 2Iare not removed from their scaffold beds when the beds are rearrangedfor the incoming set.

The grid structure Z, completewith scaffolds and lamps, is then hoistedout of the path of the incoming set. After the platform I2, having theset I5 mounted V.thereon in predetermined position, is rolled intoVposition,.the grid structure 2i) is lowered to. the proper height abovethe setwalls,v and, Vif xdesired, vsway braced to the stage walls. Y f YDuring the night-the grip crew .may likewise hang or place any newbackings required and the electricians may place the appropriate lights.

Shooting` proceeds just as it does under the present methodofoperationbut subject to cast commitments, scenes may be shot incontinuity without material extra expense. Ifseveral sequences are to beVshot in the same. set, `the set may be stored?, intact in anyone of theshelters I6, I8, I9 between sequences and scheduled back to the stage. A

'L -Hola cof intact for rushes; (t) ma fold; (c)

for'retakes; (d) as a standing set Whenever anyof these operations isrequired and current stage space is needed, the set I5 on its platform I2 may be removed from thefstage I0 andV transferred toa shelter I6, I8,Y I9.

. Bq-Prop .strike Prop strikes normally take place after the set I5 -islremoved from the stage I0, either when the vplatform I2 is in a shelterI6, I8, I9' or when the platform is adjacent to the property department.Y

9.-Electrz'cal strike This operation has been described under activv Iheoverhead lamps 2I (Figure 11V) may be removed, if desired.

10. and 11.-S'et strike anzlsvztlvage` vIhiscompletes the Vcycle andproduces empty platform'spacevfoi-,theA next cycle.A Y f i If there areno set elements to be -saved,l the platform I2 is rolled to the salvageyard and cleared of the set. However, when set elements areY to besaved, they may, be segregated and later returned to the scene docks,either by truck or via the platformsY :,I2-.

Dimensions and stage floor construction The size of the mobile platformI2 is of great importance. Its dimensions are the key dimensions of thestudio. The size of the platform I2 controls the size of the sheltersI6, I8, I9, the turntables 23, the carrier Il, the tracked streets 24,25, 26 and indirectly the size ofthe stages III. After careful research,the most useful size platform for a typical studio was determined to bea rectangle 60 x 80! in dimension, and the most useful stage, vone whichhouses three platforms with their 80' sides adjoining.

Each stage I has a permanent floor shelf 29v which surrounds theplatform area of the stage except at the large entrance doors. Thisshelf 29 is 20' or more in width and is built at a height `flush withthe upper surface or iioor of the platforms I2. The stage floor arealbetween the shelves 29 contain the rails on which the platforms I2'travel in and out of position in the stage I0.

The 'shelf area gives added space to the platform area and is used forcamera angle foregrounds, entrances and exits, and for backing area. Inaddition the shelves 29:!may be used for storage of miscellaneousequipment such as floor lamps, spare scaffolding, portable dressingrooms, grip equipment, prop equipment, make-up equipment, etc.

Adding the area of the shelves 29 to the area of the platform-s I2, thedimensions of a three platform stage become 120 (204-804-20) wide by 200(60+60-{60+20) long. ASpecial stages housing 4 or more platforms may bebuilt.

Stage doors Each stage has a large mechanically operated door 30 in oneor both end walls,-to permit the translation of platforms I2 in and outof the stage I0. These doors are 80' wide with a height consistent withthe height Aof the trusses. Normally the door opening should clear a set30' high.

Platform construction The carrier I'I is a welded steel frame 65 x 80mounted on twenty-four wheels 32, which roll on four tracks 33, 34, 35,36. Across the top of this steel frame comprising carrier I1 are sixstandard railsA 31 identical in height, gauge and size with the railsi'nrall the stages III and in all the 'shelters I6;"I81,.lkallarrangedfor registry with andy rotation thereon ofthe car wheels 3|. ofplatforrn ,I2

On the carrier I1` are. male alignment wedges 38 whichare arrangedtocooperate ,with` the stationary female locating devices to adjust'thecarrier into exact position, ensuring perfect alignment of the carrierrails 3l with therails di! in the stages and shelters. Y

While I have shown the male alignment devices mounted` on the carrier,`and the female locating devices mounted at the entrance to stages andshelters, these cooperating Vdevices are preferably located with themale alignment wedge on the locomotive vit` arranged to entery thefemale locating device, whichis disposed Iin andl at the middle of thecarrier streets in predetermined position with respect to the stage andshelter openings, in whichcase only one alignment wedge and locatingdevice is necessary. K Engaging device'and Zink: chain beit Incased atthe middle of eachrof the sides of the platform I2 is an. engaging'device orclutch member 4I which enables the platform I2r to belocked toa Vdriven link chain belt 42 mounted for guided movement in vthe'middle,of the carrier I'I in aV direction perpendicular to the path of travelof the carrier. III. This ,belt

42 may be drivenY in conventional mannerV by a 4 reversible gearedcompressed air. motor'43 as indicated in Figure'13 which` maybelco'ntrolled Y by valves 44 on the control board II'L5ron loco motive46 arranged'integrallywiththe 'carrier I'I and on one end thereof.vtranslate the platform I2 60' off either sideof the carrier Il. Thus, itcan move aY platform i2 in and out of all shelters I6, I8, I9 andin andout of the first position vin all stages Il). ,I n.

order to move a platform from position I toY positions 2 and 3 in astage, a similar driven link chain belt 4l is required in the middle-ofthe stage floor in positiony 2. form stage requires two such beltsy4I,oney each in positions 2 and 4. These belts 41 may be. driven in eitherdirection by a similar prime mover' mounted in stage I 0. i

The locomotive The carrier I1 is coupledy vto the locomotive lilil whichruns on the two inboard rails 34, 35 of the 4 track systems 33, 34, 35,36in the oarrirstreets 24, 25, 26. One power unit' 48, a largegas-"-driven ,air compressor, supplies power to operate the locomotivemotor 53 through control 'valve 54 to cause propulsion of drive wheelson rails 34, 35,

the air brake system 49 (Figure 13) for carrier I1 throughair brakevalve 5.0, the air motor 43 which operates the link chain belt 42', andthe pistons 5I of the alignment motor or wedges 38 which is controlledby valve 52. As explained previously, as an alternative construction,only one alignment motor or wedge 38 may be mounted on the locomotivefor cooperation with a centrallyv the turntable cross at Hence, afterevery quarter turn, the tracks in the carrier streetsvand This belt 42may-l A four or live; plat on the turntable are in line. The turntables23 may be driven by electric or air motors and its ro- Y tation may becontrolled by vautomatic stop mechanism. i

The clutch r engaging device 4| shown specically in Figures -11 mountedon each end of a platform I2 embodies important features ofthe presentinvention. The device 4I is arranged to selectively engage cooperatinglugs 55 carried on the endless belt 42 as indicated'in Figure 9 wherebythe belt may drive the connected platform I2.

Device 4| has a vertically movable dog carrier element 56 slidablymounted in a vertical guideway 51 with a pivoted dog element 58 at itslower 'end for engagement with the cleat on lug 55 on belt 42. Thecarrier element 55 and attached dog element 58 may be maintained in anelevated position by a manually operable over center mechanismcomprising:V a manually operable control wheel 59 having its shaft G0journalled for rotation in the housing 6I with` a crank element 62 onshaft pivoted to one end of thrust rod 53 which has its other endpivoted on the slidable dog carrier 56, downward movementrof carrier 55from its raised position shown in Figure 8 being prevented by engagementof lthe rod 63 with the,

carrier face E4. Downward motionof the carrier 56 from its lowermostposition shown in Figure 6 is prevented due to engagement of shaft 6Gwith the curved face65 on the carrier 55.

Thus, the dog member 58 may be moved fromv its lowermost position shownin Figure 6 to its raised retracted position shown in Figure 8 byturningv the control handle 59 through a distance of approximately 120and in such case, the dog member 58 remains in its raised position untilthe control handle 59 is rotated in a reverse direction to an extentwhere the pivot point defined by the connection of crank member 62 withrod 63 passes its over center position in which case the carrier 63 andattached dog 58 may fall by gravity into clutch engaging position. Thisrequired reverse movement of handle 59 is relatively small as is evidentfrom an inspection of Figures 6 and 8.

The dog element 58 is pivoted on its carrier 55 about an axissubstantially parallel to the direction of the travel of belt 42 toallow the dog 58 to be brushed aside'byvthe belt guard 58 as indicatedin Figure 10 when inadvertently or intentionally the dog member 58 isleft in its lowermost position wherein it may be engaged by the chain'42 as the carrier I'I upon which it is mounted travels in the directionindicated by the arrow 6l. This is important since as shown in Figure 5,the platform I2, when in any one of the shelters, has an end overhangingabove the path of movement of the carrier I'I whereby the dog element 58may be dropped into position over the belt 42. This overhanging end ofthe platform, of course, is not in the pathv of movement of a similarplatform on the carrier. For this reason .the transverse length of thecarrier is somewhat longer than the platform as indicated in Figure 3 toprovide clearance.'

It is noted that when the dog element 58 is dropped into position overbelt 42 it is not essential that the engaging cleator lug 55 on belt 42be directly under it since the dog members are provided with the camsurfaces 58A which when the belt 42 travels under` it causes the dog 58and attached carrier 55 to move upwardly into the guideway 51 from whereit subsequently falls by gravity forces onto and over such lug 58 assuch lug is propelled into registry position shown in Figure 9.

stage by thechain drive 41 which may be of identicalconstruction anddriven by similar means as is the chain 42` .on the carrier. Thus, whena platform is moved into a sound stage both chain drives 42 and41 areoperated in succession., in

thatY order, to lmove the platform completely within the sound stage.These chain drives are, of course, operated in succession, in reverseorder, in movement of arplatform' out of a stage onto a carrier. Y

The system shown in Figure 1 may be operated with two carriers andsufficient platforms to fill all but ve or six shelters, the sheltersempty at any particular time being useful vin platform transferringoperations.

Anotherimportant feature of the present invention is the false ceilingstructure 20 shown in Figures 11 and 12. This ceiling structure 20 maybe raised upon operation of the up pushbutton 69 which'serves toautomatically raise and stop theV structure 20 in .accordance withapparatus well understood in the electrical elevator art. Such apparatusmayinclude flexible `cables 'I9 having one of their ends attached to thestructure 20 and passing over pulleys 'II mounted onl the stationaryvceiling structure 12 and having l'their other end wound ona drum 'I3which is driven by the electricV motor '14, the motor I4 beingcontrolled by the up button 69,'the down button 15, and the stop button16.

When the down button 'I5 is pressed, the grid-like false ceiling 20 islowered to a point above the stage floor to allow craftsmen standing onthe stage `floor 'to attach the scaffolding 22 onto the cross? memberscomprising the grid structure 20` and also tocorrect position of thelamps 2 I. This may be done when the platforms I2 are outside of thestage.l

The height of the mobile platform I2 mounted on the carrier I'Idetermines the height of the stage shelves, the shop floors and the dockoors. This height may be 32" above the carrier track level. The rails 31on the carrier, in the stages and in the shelters, may be 161/2 abovethe carrier track level. f

The tracks in the carrier streets 24, 25, 2on which the carrier IItravels are laid with no gradient, and are imbedded in the pavement sothat there are no obstacles to pedestrain orl vehicle traffic. Theentire area of the stages, shops, shelters and tracked streets is undercover. Thus sets with rtheir furnishings are protected from` the weatheras they are transported around the studio. The regular traffic streetswhich serve the stages, shops and docks, are elevated 32 above thecarrier track level, and are ramped down where they cross the carrierstreets,

Bccl'cr projection Street' fronts If a number of sections of streetAfronts are built on the ends of several platforms-these platforms may bearranged in different' order orturned end for end before they are placedin position in the stage.

Thus many combinations of the same fronts may be used for differentstreet scenes.

`This same principle may be employed for outdoor shootingl by extendingthe track system onv the back lot.

Shallow tanks Water-tight sidev boards and floors may be built on anyplatform and the. whole area. used as a shallow tank. Miniature watersets can be built at the prop shop andthe water introduced after theplatform. is in the stage. If stageconditions are not' required,miniatures may be shot while in their shelters at the prop' shop.

Pitsv and tanks Stage pits and tanks now can be utilized more' ventionvshould have enough mobile platforms to ll each stage three times. Thus,whiley onethird of the platforms, maybe tied up on the shooting stages,the other two-thirds are outside of the stages undergoing the variousother operations at the shelters. this number of platforms producesstage floor space for set activities equivalent to that of. aconventional studiov with three times as many stages. However, onlyone-third of the platforms are housed in expensive sound proofstructures; the other two thirds are housed vin shelters whose cost persquare foot is less than one-half of the stage cost per square foot. Insuch a studio there is a saving in capital investment of 1/3- of thestage costl of the comparable conventional studio. Y l

' The cost of the shops and other buildings in the studio describedherein has been eliminated from this comparison because` the same shopsand other buildings are required under both systems. However, in thesystem embodying the present invention, since the platforms become shopiloor extensions, many of the shop areas can be materially reduced,resulting in further savings in capital investment.

The modified system illustrated in Figures 14, 15 consists of a seriesof sound proof stages IOI to |08 and a power and air conditioningbuilding |09, all placed alongside a shop and industrial area consistingof shops H and III and storage docks H2, the sound stages and the shopsVor work area being interconnected by a rail and turntablev system whichpermits the selective shifting of mobile units H4, hereinafter morefully'described, from any of the shops or storage docks to any of thesound stages, or vice versa. Another sound proof stage may besubstituted for ther power and air conditioning building ifdesired.

As shown in Figure 14, the system for handlin motion picture sets issuch that a single or any Iny practical operationv number of soundstagesV may be increased or reduced in-number as, desired; forexample,to increase thenutnberv oi'v sound stages, a series of such stages couldbe placed along the ends of the entire work and storage area asillustrated by the dotted lines H5, and the number of sound stagescould4 be further increased by placing additional sound stages alongthelower side of the complete setup. Y

vThe track system interconnecting the work and storage area and soundstages consists of a plurality of tracks A to J, inclusive, extendingtransversely of theA entire work and storage areas and' each trackending within the area of a sound stage. Associated with each of theindividual tracks, A. to J, inclusive, is a turntable H6 at the one side,of the industral area and a turntable I I1 at the opposite side of theindustrial area. The track Eis aligned with the power and airconditioning building 109, but does not enter such building, and has aturntable I I6 at one end thereof and a turntable II'I at the oppositeend thereof. The turntables H6 are interconnected by a track H8extending normal vtothe tracks A to kJ, inclusive, and the'turntablesII'I are interconnected by a track H9 also extending normal to tracks Atol J, inclusive. In lieu of turntables, other direction changingdevices may be used.

The mobile iioox units H4 are provided with suitable wheels to enablethem to travel over the tracks hereinbefore described, and theVturntables H6 and II'I are preferably of such size as to carry two ofthe mobile oor units at one time. However, this may be varied indifferent installations. These movable hoor units also are preferably ofsuch size that they may be combined in various combinations of numbersof floor units to fit any orV all sound stages and sets; that is, onlyone of the mobile floor units may be necessary for a certain stage orset, or two or more may be required to be combined for a particularstage or set. Y

In the particular arrangement shown, the two storage docks H2 arelocated at the opposite sides of the work and storage area, andintermediate the storage docks H2 are the shops I I0and III. Asindicated, the shop H0 may contain the carpenter shop, grip departmentand the electrical department, with the shop IH having therein theproperty department, the prop making department and the plaster andpaint department. This arrangement of the various departments in theshops H0 and III may be varied tolsuit the particular/installation. Asshown, the storage docks II 2 and the shops H0 and III are provided withledges or runways |20 along their sides, such ledges |20 being ofsuiiicient height to provide for easy access from the ledges to thelevel of the mobile units. In they same manner the sound stages I 0I to|08, inclusive, are provided with similar ledges or runways I2I on eachside of the 'tracks running thereinto so that a level iioor completelyacross the sound stage building may be provid/edv by the ledges and themobile units.

By this invention a routing system is provided whereby the sets may becompleted, vchanged. or repaired wholly apart from the sound stages,and,

thus, any tying up Aof the ysound stages'for a period of' time orinterference with use of the sound stages in any manner for the makingof of the system tov any other part. Assuming that a set is to be builtcompletely,'a single or any number of mobile units required may be takenfrom the tracks A, C, E, G or J, which may provide for storage space forthe mobile units, or, if desired, a passageway from one transverse trackto another, and may be started, for example, in the carpenter shopcontained in the shop |29, the mobile unit or units lill being shiftedfrom one track to another to nally arrive within the shop Il by the useof any suitable `propelling or drawing means land the turntables i I8 orH7. From the carpenter shop containedin' the shop HQ, and wherein theset is started to be constructed, the mobile units may be movedprogressively through the grip department and electrical department inshop I l and then transferred tothe'shop Hl by means Yofrtheturn-vtables H6 or il'lV and the tracks |18- and H9;

where the partially completed sets on the mobile units may vbepassedthrough the property department, thelprop' making department and theplaster and paint' department, or any other departments provided so,lthatthe mobile unit or units will emerge from the shops in suchvcondition as to form a complete set; By the use ofthe turntables H6 andIH and the tracks Ato J, inclusive, the complete set then may be shiftedto the assigned sound stage Il to |98, inclusive, or a part of thecomplete set may be moved to one sound stage vand a part to anothersound stage if such separation is required in the taking of `a picture.H6 and Ill and the tracks A to J, inclusive, all or any part of a setmay be removed fromrany sound stage and shifted to the shops for changeor repair, leaving the remainder of the set within the sound stage andusable to what/ever extent possible.

After the sets have served their purpose, or if the sets areY notrequired for a period of time, they may be shifted from the sound stageson which they have been used to the storage docks H2, or to the tracksA, C, E, G and J, and left there until such time as they are neededagain, or the sets may be moved into the shops l Ill and l l I fordisassembly and salvage or other disposal.

Referring to the drawings and to the preceding description, it will beseen that there is provided a system for handling motion picture setsembodying numerous novel and advantageous features. This system providesfor theutilization of the sound stages to their fullest advantagewithout interference by reason of the manufacture of sets therein or therepai1l or change of such sets, and also provides for shifting the setsso that no sound stage need be held up by reason of having a settherein'which is not in use, but must be held over for a later date.

While the particular embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatchanges and modifications may be made without departing from thisinvention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the appendedclaims is to cover all such changes and modications as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of carrier, an endless belt on said carriermovable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the By the sameuse of the. turntables;

path of movement of said carrier, power means on said carrier arrangedto propel said belt, and

- ing means including a dog member on said platform mounted both forvertical movement into engagement with said belt and also for pivotalmovement about an axis perpendicular to the ydirection of movement ofsaid carrier whereby said dog member may be moved out of harms way.

2.2The structure dened in claim 1, wherein said dog member is pivotallyconnected to a manually operable mechanism mounted on the platform. i

'3. The arrangement set Vforth in claim 1 in which trackmeans supportand guide the movement of .said carrier, a stage disposed adjacent saidtrack means, prime mover means on said stage for engaging and moving aplatform onto and off said carrier, said platform having an end raisedsuiciently above' said carrier whereby said carrier may move underneathsaid platform whilesaid platform is in position on said stage.

4. In a system of the character' described for erecting motion pictureand television sets, a mobile carrier, first track means supporting andguiding said carrier, a platform, second track means supporting andguiding the movement of said platform on said carrier, a stage mountedadjacent said first track means, cooperating guide means in said stage,said second track means on said carrier being Aalignable with said guide`means on said stage, iirst prime mover means on said carrier forpropelling said carrier on said Vfirst track means', second prime movermeans on said carrier for moving said platform on 'said carrier, said-second prime mover means including an endless belt on said carrerandmovable transversely thereof, a dog member on said platform, manuallyoperable clutch means on said platform forI moving said'dog member intoengagement with said endless belt, said dog member rbeing mounted bothfor vertical movement into engagement with said belt and also forpivotal movement about an Aaxis perpendculart'o the direction ofmovement of said carrier'whereby said dog member may be moved out ofharms way, and turntable means in communi-cation 'with the rst'mentionedtrack means for orienting said carrier on saidplatform whereby theplatform mayY be` moved into said stage in proper oriented direction.

FRED E. PELTON.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES Vrainure Number Name Date 1,404,926Burnham Jan. 31, 1922 1,585,373 Carletti May 18, 1926r 1,797,325Chaudoir Mar. 24, 1931 1,877,193 Norton Sept. 13, 41932 1,923,741Murdock Aug. 2'2, 1933 2,292,284 Ogden Aug. 4, 1942 2,311,131 RudolphFeb. 16, 1943 2,321,253 Schellentrager June 8, 1943 2,345,706 KurnitApr. 4, 1944 2,391,173 Loftus et al Dec. 18, 1945 2,483,817

VEhinger Oct.44, 1949

